The Ruff Report: Dogs and Health

Saturday

Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 AMFeb 16, 2013 at 3:08 PM

This formula is certain to sicken your pet

A popular formula that more and more pet parents are using on their dogs and cats every day is particularly dangerous because it seems to be beneficial, has no apparent side effects and is inexpensive.

But this thing, which has no taste or smell, may appear to be good for you and your pet now, but it will assuredly ruin the health of your dog or cat later, animal welfare advocates warn.

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie of the veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado State University says the number of sick pets visiting animal clinics has been increasing, an indication that owners are skimping of food and health care.

"We're seeing more emergency and problem visits rather than just routine checkups," she states in a media release. "It's probably due to people cutting back."

This short-sighted approach to pet care is actually more expensive in the long run because your dog or cat is more likely to get sick from poor nutrition and lack of health care, resulting in much higher medical bills, animal welfare advocates say. They say providing routine health care now for your pet - which includes regular exercise, quality diet and preventative maintenance - is a better healthier formula that will avert costly veterinary expenses in the future.

Dr. Ruch-Gallie offers these suggestions to keep your pet healthy:Feed your pet high-quality food. Less expensive foods often have lower nutritional value because have non-digestible fillers such as grains. Ultimately, any savings by buying low-cost food are eliminated because a pet needs to eat more of it to be satisfied and to obtain good nutrition.Groom dogs and cats daily or every other day at home. Brushing distributes oils in the animal's coat, which improves the health of their skin and fur, decreases matting and lowers risks of skin infections and irritations. Also, people who groom their pets often notice changes and abnormalities in skin and coat and may notice body changes, lumps or other indications of the early stages of illness. Finding illnesses early often means treatments are less expensive.Practice good dental hygiene. Daily brushing of a pet's teeth - particularly against the gun line with an enzymatic, pet specific toothpaste - has significant returns. It decreases the risk of infection in a pet's mouth which often spread to the blood and into organs such as the kidney or into joints.Be creative when giving treats. If you only feed a dry food, consider giving a small amount of canned food as a treat.Dr. Ruch-Gallie suggests skimping in areas other than food and health care to save money. Her money-savings suggestions:Curb impulse buying. Shop around for treats, bones, toys. Significant savings can be found online or at discount stores.Buy fewer toys, and trick pets into thinking those toys are new. Pets need toys to keep their minds and bodies engaged. Keeping a stash of five to 10 toys and rotate a few of them periodically to make them appear to be new.More reports about dogs and health:This formula is certain to sicken your petAn all-natural substance that makes pets sick Try this fountain of youth for your petA wonder drug guaranteed to help your pet For pets, your dirty hands are really sickening Favorite pastime a leading cause of illness

Reports about dogs and flea, tick control:Pet deaths prompt tougher rules for flea, tick items Use of flea, tick products a must despite EPA warning Stop ticks from dogging - or killing - your petYour dog may have you sleeping with thousands of fleas Get pets ready for invasion of blood-sucking insects

Reports about dogs and oral health:The stinking truth behind smelly dog breath Good oral care can be a lifesaver

Reports about dogs and cancer:Major breakthrough in canine cancer treatmentFirst-ever canine cancer drug developed Making strides in fight against canine cancerWorldwide effort to cure canine cancer“We all hear horrible stories about pets who are forgotten or neglected which is truly heartbreaking,” Robert Nager, owner of the Boston-based pet-sitting service Decadent Dog, states in a media release. “No matter what, please do whatever you can to take care of them. It's the right thing to do.”

Nager, who was named pet sitter of the year by Pet Sitters International, urges owners to make careful choices about pets, health care and household budgeting. “As pet owners, let’s not forget that a pet should be included on a family's priority list.”HOMETHE RUFF REPORTSo easy to read. You choose the topic! Adoption | Food | Health | Money | RescueSafety and Behavior | Surveys and Studies Like MySetterSam on Facebook

This formula is certain to sicken your pet

A popular formula that more and more pet parents are using on their dogs and cats every day is particularly dangerous because it seems to be beneficial, has no apparent side effects and is inexpensive.

But this thing, which has no taste or smell, may appear to be good for you and your pet now, but it will assuredly ruin the health of your dog or cat later, animal welfare advocates warn.

A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie of the veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado State University says the number of sick pets visiting animal clinics has been increasing, an indication that owners are skimping of food and health care.

"We're seeing more emergency and problem visits rather than just routine checkups," she states in a media release. "It's probably due to people cutting back."

This short-sighted approach to pet care is actually more expensive in the long run because your dog or cat is more likely to get sick from poor nutrition and lack of health care, resulting in much higher medical bills, animal welfare advocates say. They say providing routine health care now for your pet - which includes regular exercise, quality diet and preventative maintenance - is a better healthier formula that will avert costly veterinary expenses in the future.

Dr. Ruch-Gallie offers these suggestions to keep your pet healthy:Feed your pet high-quality food. Less expensive foods often have lower nutritional value because have non-digestible fillers such as grains. Ultimately, any savings by buying low-cost food are eliminated because a pet needs to eat more of it to be satisfied and to obtain good nutrition.Groom dogs and cats daily or every other day at home. Brushing distributes oils in the animal's coat, which improves the health of their skin and fur, decreases matting and lowers risks of skin infections and irritations. Also, people who groom their pets often notice changes and abnormalities in skin and coat and may notice body changes, lumps or other indications of the early stages of illness. Finding illnesses early often means treatments are less expensive.Practice good dental hygiene. Daily brushing of a pet's teeth - particularly against the gun line with an enzymatic, pet specific toothpaste - has significant returns. It decreases the risk of infection in a pet's mouth which often spread to the blood and into organs such as the kidney or into joints.Be creative when giving treats. If you only feed a dry food, consider giving a small amount of canned food as a treat.Dr. Ruch-Gallie suggests skimping in areas other than food and health care to save money. Her money-savings suggestions:Curb impulse buying. Shop around for treats, bones, toys. Significant savings can be found online or at discount stores.Buy fewer toys, and trick pets into thinking those toys are new. Pets need toys to keep their minds and bodies engaged. Keeping a stash of five to 10 toys and rotate a few of them periodically to make them appear to be new.More reports about dogs and health:This formula is certain to sicken your petAn all-natural substance that makes pets sick Try this fountain of youth for your petA wonder drug guaranteed to help your pet For pets, your dirty hands are really sickening Favorite pastime a leading cause of illness

Reports about dogs and flea, tick control:Pet deaths prompt tougher rules for flea, tick items Use of flea, tick products a must despite EPA warning Stop ticks from dogging - or killing - your petYour dog may have you sleeping with thousands of fleas Get pets ready for invasion of blood-sucking insects

Reports about dogs and oral health:The stinking truth behind smelly dog breath Good oral care can be a lifesaver

Reports about dogs and cancer:Major breakthrough in canine cancer treatmentFirst-ever canine cancer drug developed Making strides in fight against canine cancerWorldwide effort to cure canine cancer“We all hear horrible stories about pets who are forgotten or neglected which is truly heartbreaking,” Robert Nager, owner of the Boston-based pet-sitting service Decadent Dog, states in a media release. “No matter what, please do whatever you can to take care of them. It's the right thing to do.”

Nager, who was named pet sitter of the year by Pet Sitters International, urges owners to make careful choices about pets, health care and household budgeting. “As pet owners, let’s not forget that a pet should be included on a family's priority list.”HOMETHE RUFF REPORTSo easy to read. You choose the topic! Adoption | Food | Health | Money | RescueSafety and Behavior | Surveys and Studies Like MySetterSam on Facebook